As a shooter, I know how challenging it can be to find the perfect rifle scope with all the bells and whistles without having to empty my wallet. I‘ve spent a good chunk of change on advanced scopes, but I‘ve also stumbled upon some great quality ones that won‘t cost an arm and a leg. So, I decided to put my experience to good use and test out various scopes to find the best one under $1000.
In this guide, I‘ll share my top picks for rifle scopes that won‘t break the bank, and I‘ll also help you figure out what features to prioritize in order to find the perfect scope for your hunting needs. Trust me, you don‘t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable and accurate scope for your rifle.
Things to Consider When Buying a Rifle Scope Under $1000
Buying a rifle scope under $1000 can still be quite expensive depending on the exact model purchased. Wherever you land on the financial scale, keep these major aspects in mind when browsing and you’ll have a better chance of picking the best scope for your needs.
First or Second Focal Plane?
All rifle scopes will feature reticles on either the first or second focal plane. First focal plane reticles change in size by becoming smaller as you zoom out and larger as you zoom in. This means that their holdover or estimation hash marks will remain accurate no matter what magnification level you decide to use. However, this can be tricky to get used to.
On the flip side, second focal plane reticles never change size no matter what magnification level you operate within. This makes them perfectly accurate with one magnification setting – usually one of the lower settings – but requires you to estimate windage or elevation mark values as you switch away from that setting. It can be easy to use, but difficult to compensate with at longer or much shorter ranges.
Either way, both reticles can provide you with success if you are comfortable with them. Because there is no perfect reticle for every hunter, I chose and tested excellent rifle scopes under $1000 featuring both first and second focal plane reticles for your consideration. You’ll be able to pick your favorite from either category. I have scopes with reticles from both types.
Check our guides on other price ranges:
- The 5 Best Rifle Scopes under $200
- The 5 Best Rifle Scopes under $300
- The 5 Best Rifle Scopes under $500
Durability
The best rifle scopes under $1000 ought to be fairly durable to justify their asking prices. To that end, check out what kind of coatings might protect the lenses of a given rifle scope. These lenses can benefit from those defensive coatings, which can prevent them from becoming scratched or dented, even if the rifle scope suffers wear and tear.
You’ll also want to check out whether a rifle scope is built to be waterproof or fog proof. Such scopes are perfect for taking into inclement weather or for hunting in every season. All of the scopes under $1000 that I selected are made with durability in mind, but their exact construction details vary from scope to scope.
Innovations and Features
Naturally, scopes priced around this range should have some excellent bells and whistles to make them worth your time and money. To that end, you should investigate what each scope offers in terms of reticle illumination, parallax adjusters, or audible windage and elevation adjusters.
Several of the scopes under $1000 which I tried feature reticles that can be illuminated to one degree or another. This allows you to use the reticle more effectively in very bright sunlight or to adjust reticle brightness settings in the dark. In other words, this feature grants even more versatility to any scope on which it is installed.
Parallax and windage and elevation adjusters are critical parts of any versatile scope, particularly for hunters like me that target distant animals or points. Eliminating parallax is key to long-distance accuracy, and many of these high-quality scopes feature adjustment knobs that have audible and tactile clicking sounds with each increment you move them. Essentially, you can adjust your various settings without removing your eye from the lens or compromising your accuracy.
All in all, just consider what each scope can offer that distinguishes it from the rest. All of these scopes are high-quality and offer magnification settings that make them good choices for close-range and long-range distances alike. But their other features are what truly distinguishes them as individual products.
Warranty
Finally, consider the manufacturer warranty that comes with each of the below scopes. Scopes under $1000 might be a great bargain depending on their durability and ease of use, but they may still cost a significant amount. Having a great manufacturer warranty can provide you with peace of mind and ensure that you won’t have to pay extra if you receive a scope that’s been damaged in transit.
Furthermore, some of the best scopes under $1000 have lifetime warranties. These warranties will provide you with repair or replacement services as long as you use the scope correctly. The warranties are an incredible value for money and should always be taken into consideration when you are choosing which scope to purchase.
The 5 Best Rifle Scopes Under $1000
1. Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24×50 SFP Riflescope VMR-1 MOA 
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If you’re looking for a more traditional rifle scope under $1000, I’d recommend the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T. Let me break down why.
My Feeling After Using the Product
For starters, the Viper HS-T is waterproof and fog proof from start to finish, so you should feel confident using it in any inclement weather or hunting environment. The magnification settings are pretty generous and adjustable, and the scope boasts a fast-focus eyepiece. I found a special 4x zoom control, letting you quickly snap in to a target even on the move.
I found, during my time with this scope, exposed and adjustable target-style turrets. They offered finger-precise adjustable clicks and tactile feedback, making it easy to adjust for windage and elevation. The zero-stop functionality also allowed me to return them to their previous settings in an instant.
Good eye relief and highlight transmission provided clear sight pictures during my time with the Viper HS-T. If you’re looking for a scope that provides optimal light transmission, look no further.
Product Highlights
Speaking of those lenses, the Viper HS-T’s lenses are very premium in terms of quality. The multiple coatings they use improve resolution and color fidelity, while reducing light distortion and dispersion. The XR coatings in particular improve how much light is gathered by the lenses; you’ll find, just like I did, that this results in a very bright, high-contrast sight picture across the board.
As a result, you’ll have a great time tracking targets, even if they blend in with the foliage or background behind them. The sight picture is great at any time of day, including high noon and at the lowlight hours of dusk and dawn.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
The only downside I encountered with the Viper HS-T is low eye relief at higher zoom levels. This is a fairly common issue with most rifle scopes, however, and you can compensate for it by practicing with the optic. I’d recommend firing a few test shots just to make sure you don’t accidentally injure your orbital bone from kick.
Key Features
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Phenomenal lenses and light transmission
- Durable and waterproof
- Good windage and elevation adjustment turrets
Cons
- Eye relief can be a bit low
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Weight | 16 oz |
| Eye Relief | 4” |
| Magnification | 6-24x |
| Field of View | 5.1’-17.8’ |
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the Vortex Optics Viper HS-T is a great rifle scope for under $1000 thanks to its versatility, durability, and quality of light transmission.
My rating: 4.9/5
2. Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20×50 Riflescope 
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Trijicon also offers a stellar scope for under $1000. The TR23 AccuPoint scope has a lot to like, as I discovered during my time with the optic.
My Feeling After Using the Product
The TR23 AccuPoint provides top-tier value for money because of the SFP (second focal plane) tritium aiming point illuminated reticle. This reticle stays the same size no matter how you magnify it, but it also stays bright and visible, even in low light environments. With this reticle, you can hunt during the early hours of morning or the late hours of evening without issues.
I also found that the TR23 AccuPoint’s overall quality was top-tier thanks to its excellent components. For example, the scope is made with aircraft-grade aluminum, which keeps weight low and which improves its long-term durability. Similarly, I found the lenses to be multicoated to boost light transmission and clarity.
Then there are the adjustment dials. I discovered the adjustment dials for windage and elevation to be tactile, precise, and highly responsive: all good things you want from your adjustment controls on any optic.
Product Highlights
Let’s return to the illuminated reticle for a second. I found that the illuminated system is dual-purpose. In essence, it automatically switches your aiming point to the brightness level suitable for your ambient light environment. In other words, you don’t have to adjust the brightness; the scope does it for you.
I also found I could manually override those settings, and you can as well. The illumination settings even come without the need for a battery. Instead, the TR23 AccuPoint uses fiber-optic technology and a special tritium phosphor lamp to get the job done.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
All that said, I did find that the windage and elevation turrets of the TR23 AccuPoint don’t lock. It’s an ultimately minor downside, but keep in mind that you won’t want to bump either of these turrets when trying to hit shots at a distance. Practice with the scope for a few hours to get your posture down before taking it into the field.
Key Features
- 5-20x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- SFP scope
Pros
- Phenomenal light transmission
- Comes with an automatically adjusting illumination system
- Responsive windage and elevation adjustment turrets
- Durable and waterproof
Cons
- Turrets do not lock
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Trijicon |
| Weight | 29.44 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.8”-41.” |
| Magnification | 5-20x |
| Field of View | 5.2’-19.4’ |
The Bottom Line
In the end, I’d heartily recommend the TR23 AccuPoint to fans of durable rifle scopes with illuminated reticles. This could also be an excellent choice if you are looking for a scope that will last for a long time in the field – remember, you don’t need to worry about the illuminated reticle’s battery running out of juice!
My rating: 4.8/5
3. Athlon Optics Midas TAC 6-24×50 First Focal Plane Riflescopes
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Athlon Optics’ Midas TAC rifle scope is a top-tier piece of equipment, and I discovered a variety of things to be excited about when I tried it out for myself.
For under $1000, the Athlon Midas TAC scope comes with HD glass for its objective lens. That’s a big deal since it results in better light transmission and overall color quality: all important features when you are trying to hit a target that blends in with the underbrush or surrounding environment.
I found that the FFP reticle, which changes sizes with magnification levels, was actually quite beneficial, particularly at the upper end of the magnification settings. Combined with multicoated lenses for high durability and color contrast, I liked using the Midas TAC at 24x magnification.
I also took note of the windage and elevation adjustment turrets. These are tactile, responsive, and easy to use, and they are complemented by a parallax elimination ring. This is a stellar feature since it lets you get rid of parallax completely at the upper end of the magnification spectrum.
Product Highlights
But I awarded my biggest point to the Midas TAC scope’s precision zero stop system. This mechanical system improves the windage and elevation turrets, allowing me (and you) to lock a zero position depending on your custom preferences or whatever will work for your next shot. You can then immediately dial the turrets back to zero instantaneously. In other words, it’s a perfect feature for long-distance shooters, and it works perfectly with the built-in APRS2 FFP Mil reticle.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
On the downside, the Midas TAC is a bit heavier compared to most other rifle scopes under $1000. Keep this in mind if you are putting it on a rifle for the first time, as it could throw off your shot or your memorized balance with your firearm. All of that extra weight can do things like cause your barrel to point downward, get harder for you to adjust your position, and much more.
Key Features
- FFP scope
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
Pros
- Has an excellent precision zero-stop system for the turrets
- Lenses are made of high-quality glass and coatings
- Very well-made and durable
- Turrets are responsive and adjustable
Cons
- Heavier than average
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Athlon Optics |
| Weight | 26.5 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.7” |
| Magnification | 6-24x |
| Field of View | 4.6’-17.8’ |
The Bottom Line
In the end, the Midas TAC is a fantastic, if heavy, rifle scope for under $1000 thanks to its quality turrets and precision zero-stop system. Consider trying it out if you want to test your long-distance accuracy with a capable optic.
My rating: 4.7/5
4. Primary Arms SLX 1-8x24FFP Rifle Scope – Illuminated ACSS-Raptor-5.56/5.45/.308
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Next, I am taking a look at the Primary Arms SLX scope and found a variety of factors that impressed me in more ways than one.
My Feeling After Using the Product
The Primary Arms SLX has numerous excellent features, starting with a set of integrated lens caps. These are handy features since they allow you to protect both your objective and ocular lenses against dirt, water, and other wear and tear in the field.
This ties into an overall trend I noticed with the Primary Arms SLX scope: durability and functionality. The aluminum body is well-designed (though it doesn’t stop the scope from being a bit heavier than average), and it enables optimal functionality in inclement weather, fog, rain, etc. In other words, it’s unlikely to encounter any mechanical issues, and I certainly didn’t.
Should you discover mechanical issues, the Primary Arms SLX is protected by a lifetime warranty, so you really get your money’s worth. The windage and elevation adjustment turrets round out the optic’s excellent controls in general worthiness.
Product Highlights
Then there is the illuminated reticle. This red reticle has 11 distinct brightness settings, and I found that each had a purpose and a hypothetical ambient light environment where they might be useful. The reticle is powered by a standard CR2032 battery, which can easily be replaced at grocery stores (I checked).
As a result, if your reticle starts to fade in brightness, you can easily replace the battery with a quick trip to the store. Most of these batteries are only a few bucks, so it won’t cost you much to pick up a few spares and put them into your hunting backpack or kit so you have them on hand in the middle of a trip.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As I touched on above, the Primary Arms SLX is a bit heavy, even given the size of the objective lens. You can overcome this issue by practicing with the scope before taking it into the field so you know how your rifle feels after mounting it.
Key Features
- 1-8x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Illuminated reticle is useful and easy to keep charged
- Very durable and good for use in inclement weather
- Excellent lens quality
- Comes with a lifetime warranty, plus lens caps
Cons
- Heavier than average, so it might throw off your rifle’s balance
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Primary Arms |
| Weight | 17.9 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.2”-3.3” |
| Magnification | 1-8x |
| Field of View | 14.3’-105’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Primary Arms SLX is a good scope for under $1000, particularly if you want one protected by a lifetime warranty to insure yourself against duds or mechanical failures.
My rating: 4.7/5
5. ATN OPMOD X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
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ATN’s X-Sight 4K Pro scope is one of the best scopes under $1000, and not just for one reason, but several. Let’s take a closer look.
My Feeling After Using the Product
When I first used this rifle scope, I was immediately struck by the night vision functionality. The Enhanced HD night vision capabilities meant that I could use the scope, even in pitch-black environments, and see my targets no matter what. That’s value you almost can’t put a price on, so it’s one reason why I’d recommend this scope for many serious nighttime hunters.
However, the scope is also bolstered by an Ultra HD Sensor, capable of 4K resolution recording and light transmission. That’s combined with a video recording function, which streams video straight to a mobile device at HD resolutions. If you want to record some time in the field, you can record that footage straight to the SD card stored inside the scope.
As you can see, this is a fantastic video scope for shooting in a variety of light environments. All that power has to drain a battery somewhere, but fortunately, I found that the X-Sight 4K scope’s battery can run for about 18 hours before needing to recharge. In my experience, that’s plenty of time for you to complete your hunting trip and get back to home or camp.
Product Highlights
The X-Sight scope even comes with a ballistic calculator. I found a ballistic calculator tool to be highly effective and useful, as it helped me land my shots at distant targets. Plus, the X-Sight comes with RAV or recoil activated video – you can focus on your game without having to worry about the recoil of your weapon compromising your video recordings. The RAV feature means your recording can also be primed to active as soon as you fire your weapon.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Naturally, this scope isn’t a classic optic designed to help you hit the most distant shots possible. It can magnify up to a decent range, but keep in mind that it is a bit more fragile than some simpler, tougher scopes on the market. You’ll have to store the scope carefully to keep it in working condition for a long time to come.
Key Features
- 3-14x magnification
- 30mm objective lens
Pros
- Excellent night vision capabilities
- Video resolution is fantastic
- Allows you to record video
- Batteries last for a good amount of time
Cons
- Can be a bit fragile
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | ATN |
| Weight | Oz |
| Eye Relief | 90mm |
| Magnification | 3-14x |
| Field of View | 240’-460’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the ATN X-Sight video recording scope is a one-of-a-kind piece of equipment. I would definitely recommend it for shooters who want to record their hunting expeditions or target practice for further improvement.
My rating: 4.9/5
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fixed and variable power?
The term “fixed power” refers to the fact that your scope only has ONE magnification. (Such as 230.) Variable power, on the other hand, indicates that your scope has more than one magnification. (For example, 3-940.)
But, which one should you choose? Variable powered scopes are a good choice because they allow you to shoot in a range of conditions and environments.
However, it is dependent. If you only plan on shooting from one distance, a fixed powered scope is the way to go. Otherwise, a variable-powered scope is the way to go.
What is an objective lens?
The objective lens is the lens at the scope’s end that is in charge of light transmission.
Generally speaking, the larger the objective lens, the brighter and clearer the image. Should you, however, invest in a scope with a large number of objective lenses? Not at all.
What is the explanation for this? Purchasing a scope with an excessively large objective lens can be hazardous since it adds weight, necessitates higher scope rings, and makes your scope more susceptible to sunlight reflection.
What is a focal plane?
There are two focal planes: the first focal plane (FFP) is where the reticle size ADJUSTS as magnification changes.
A second focal plane (SFP) reticle, on the other hand, retains the same size regardless of magnification.
Simply put, if you’re a long-range shooter, an FFP reticle is the way to go. Otherwise, an SFP is the way to go.
What are the knobs I should know about?
There are two focal planes: the first focal plane (FFP) is where the reticle size ADJUSTS as magnification changes. A second focal plane (SFP) reticle, on the other hand, retains the same size regardless of magnification.
Simply put, if you’re a long-range shooter, an FFP reticle is the way to go. Otherwise, an SFP is the way to go.
What is eye relief?
The distance between your eye and the ocular lens is known as eye relief. I strongly advise you to seek proper eye relief if you wish to avoid a bruised eye. What should your budget be? Well, it depends on the recoil of your rifle.
The more recoil you have, the more eye relief you’ll require. Regardless, keep the eye relief in this range at a minimum: 3 – 4 inches. This will keep you from getting a ‘scope bite.’
What is field of view?
At 100 yards, the field of vision (FOV) is measured in feet. At that distance, this is the amount of view you get through your scope from right to left. FOV decreases as magnification is increased.
FOV increases as magnification is reduced. A common 3x variable scope, for example, may have a FOV of a little over 30 feet at 100 yards, and a FOV of roughly 14 feet at 9x. These statistics will not change if the objective lens diameter is increased. The architecture of the eyepiece has a direct impact on the field of view.
Conclusion
Overall, any of the above scopes under $1000 will be a fantastic choice for most rifles. Remember to consider the special features of each, as well as whether you’ll use those features, to determine which is most worth your time and money. Good hunting!
Mike Fellon was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped pursuing his hobby ever since.